title: Optimization of the interface between radiology, surgery, radiotherapy, and pathology in head and neck tumor surgery: a navigation-assisted multidisciplinary network.
abstract: A navigation-assisted multidisciplinary network to improve the interface between radiology, surgery, radiotherapy, and pathology in the field of head and neck cancer is described. All implicated fields are integrated by a common server platform and have remote data access in a ready-to-use format. The margins of resection and exact locations of biopsies are mapped intraoperatively. The pathologist uses the numerical coordinates of these samples to precisely trace each specimen in the anatomical field. Subsequently, map-guided radiotherapy is planned. In addition to the benefits of image-guided resection, this model enables radiotherapy planning according to the specific coordinates of the resection defect plus any residually affected sites identified by the pathologist. Irradiation of adjacent healthy structures is thereby minimized. In summary, the navigation-assisted network described grants timely multidisciplinary feedback between all fields involved, attains meticulous pathological definition, and permits optimized coordinate-directed radiotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Craniofacial Center (CFC), Hirslanden Medical Center, Aarau, Switzerland. Electronic address: guijarro.raq@gmail.com.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Guijarro-Martínez
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
authors.forename: N-C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Gellrich
authors.affiliation: Brainlab AG, Feldkirchen, Germany.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Witte
authors.affiliation: Hirslanden Head Office, Zürich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tapioles
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiotherapy, Hirslanden Medical Center, Aarau, Switzerland.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: von Briel
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiotherapy, Hirslanden Medical Center, Aarau, Switzerland.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kolotas
authors.affiliation: Brainlab AG, Feldkirchen, Germany.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Achinger
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Hirslanden Medical Center, Aarau, Switzerland.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hailemariam
authors.affiliation: Philips AG, Zürich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schulte
authors.affiliation: Craniofacial Center (CFC), Hirslanden Medical Center, Aarau, Switzerland.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rohner
authors.affiliation: Craniofacial Center (CFC), Hirslanden Medical Center, Aarau, Switzerland.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hammer
mesh_terms: D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; D012984:Software; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted; D014584:User-Computer Interface
keywords: computer communication network; computer-assisted surgery; head and neck cancer; image-guided surgery; navigation